The Acting Guru

Featuring Gary Marks - The coaching guru.

About Gary Marks

First things first. Gary Marks have acquired a 100% success rate. His feature film (co-written with Gwyn Lurie), THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED, opened the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. And his half-hour pilot, Uncle Inappropriate, is in development at the USA.

Gary’s Training

After receiving a B.A. in English & American Literature from Brown University, I studied acting at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, National Theater Institute. After that, I received my MFA in acting from UCLA. I’ve also studied at the British American Drama Academy. My coaching technique is practical guidance for extraordinary results. I pull from many different disciplines and techniques to get you to where you need to go.

100% Success Rate! By that, I mean that every actor I have worked with has booked a job within six months of coming to me. Why this level of success? I believe that it is because of the unique blend of talents I bring to the coaching experience. As an actor, I know how to guide you toward where you need to go. But, that’s not useful unless you know exactly where you’re going — where the words on the page lead you. As a writer, I know how to lift off of the page and lead you to where you’re supposed to be — a realization of what the writer set down, what the director wants and needs, and what the producers and suits know the audience will want to watch.

“Gary Marks is smart, generous, and an extremely perceptive teacher and friend. He is both wonderfully inventive and sensitive to the unique gifts of others. He has always been passionate about whatever work he tackles– be it acting, writing, producing, directing, or coaching. He knows himself, so–consequently, and by example– he can help others to find their own truths.”

Michael Stuhlbarg, Lincoln, Boardwalk

“Gary is one of those rare people that, when you meet him, you feel totally at ease, comfortable in yourself and ready to try anything! He has the ability to get you excited about a role, even if you think there’s nothing there. A man of incredible insight, he has a unique way of seeing characters and breaking them down for you. I wouldn’t have gotten my last film if not for Gary. Even after they thought I wasn’t right for it, couldn’t do it… but Gary pushed me to try again and again until we finally got it. I would have given up, but Gary persevered. I owe him a lot!”

Jack Huston, Boardwalk Empire, Not Fade Away, Twilight.

“Gary is a godsend. So helpful and insightful – gives me great notes, puts me on tape and sends it to wherever it’s meant to go. Couldn’t be a more comprehensive service. I can’t imagine doing an audition without him.”

Sonya Walger, Common Law, Admission, In Treatment, Flash Forward.

“Gary’s skills as a writer and an actor make him a great coach. As a writer he understands what the scene is about, and as a wonderful actor himself he understands what to play and when to play it.”